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Isn’t it incredible how quickly the new year comes around?

I have spent the last weeksetting up my room, welcoming new ninth graders, and trying to get a plan together for the new school year.  I am excited to be teaching World History AP again, and to begin to teach World Religions.  For the first time since I left the UK I will be teaching some of the same students… it is quite a privilege.

Every year I ask my students to set goals, and my administration ask us to pen our own (a recurring theme across the world, I think).  This year I am going to publish them here… feel free to hold me accountable cyber-space

1. Ensure that I am as available as needed for each student.
2. Plan at least one field trip for each class.
3. Attend an extra-curricular event for every student I teach.

You may be surprised that none of these involve technology; That is almost a given in my teaching now.  In fact, I know that I make more of an impact through the relationships I build with my students, than I could with any gadget.  I want this to be my focus for this year.

Finally, I included a goal concerning field trips because, even though I live in an incredibly well located area for history, I do not seem to take advantage of it.  This year I am going to take my students to DC, and hopefully a number of other places.

What are your resolutions for the new year?